Christmas is almost here, and for many people here in Winter Haven that means preparing to leave town and see family and friends for the holiday. If you’re one who plans to fly over the Christmas season, you’re probably familiar with the question: should you use a ride share service or should you leave your car parked at the airport while you’re away? While there are likely pros and cons to each, most people choose to use a rideshare service as it’s often cheaper than paying for extended parking, and it leaves your car safe and secure at home in your own garage. Using a rideshare service can come with its own pitfalls though if you aren’t prepared. If you’ll be flying this holiday season, keep these tips in mind as you prepare to use ride share services for your trip to Tampa or Orlando:
- Book in advance if possible! Services like Uber or Lyft let you book up to 30 days before your trip, and this could be a big deal around Christmas. Since more people will be traveling, but fewer drivers will want to work, you don’t want to find out too late that there are no available rides to get you to the airport on time!
- Allow extra time. Don’t miss your flight because a driver lost their way, or because traffic caused a detour. Whether you’re driving yourself or using a rideshare service, giving yourself plenty of extra time is always a good idea when flying around a major holiday.
- Don’t forget to plan for a return ride home. When you arrive on your return flight, remember to schedule a ride to pick you up! In the fun of your trip it’s easy to forget that you’ll need a way to get home from the airport, and if your flight comes in at a late hour or in the wee hours of the morning, you could have a hard time getting a driver quickly.
- Tip well! This one is especially true if you are traveling on the days immediately before, or up through, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Your driver is making time to do their job, and that is benefitting you. Don’t forget to tip them as a way of thanking them for their service.
Rideshares are a huge asset to individuals and families who plan to fly this holiday season, but they do have some of the same safety risks as driving your own car on our local highways during busy times of the year. Roads like I-4, Highway 27, Highway 60, and other local backroads are common routes when heading to major airports near Winter Haven, and are also known to be dangerous if you don’t use caution when behind the wheel. Rideshare accidents can and do happen. If you or someone you love is a victim of a rideshare accident, the team at Brooks Law Group has the skill and experience to get the justice and compensation you deserve. We fight for you in and out of the courtroom, making sure you feel supported every step of the way. Call us for your free no-obligation consultation. When accidents happen, you know you can always Look to Brooks.
